A Yate soldier who has recently been awarded the Military Cross for bravery will be sharing his experiences over a cuppa with South Gloucestershire Council’s Chair, Cllr Shirley Holloway.

As a token of appreciation and in recognition of his enormous achievement, Acting Corporal Sean Keenan and his wife Claire have been invited for tea at the council offices in Thornbury on Friday 9 October when the Rifleman will be presented with a certificate and paper weight as a small token of appreciation for his work in Afghanistan.

Cllr Holloway, said: “I am delighted and honoured to have the opportunity to meet Acting Corporal Keenan and to congratulate him on behalf of South Gloucestershire Council for his outstanding bravery in Afghanistan. He showed amazing courage in going to the aid of his comrades despite being wounded in an ambush. The Military Cross is one of the highest military honours and to receive this award is a fitting tribute to Acting Corporal Keenan’s heroic actions.”

The former Ridings School pupil joined the army in 2000 where he served on operational tours of Afghanistan, Iraq and Northern Ireland. It was during his time in Afghanistan that the troop he was serving with, E Company, was ambushed during a patrol.

Despite being injured himself, he continued to show tremendous courage by continuing to treat and rescue wounded colleagues and provide cover during a second attack.

The 25-year-old Acting Corporal said: “I am incredibly proud and humbled to receive this award as so many acts of bravery occur on a daily basis out there. My only thoughts were to ensure that everyone got back safely, and I don’t think what I did was very brave.”

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on Wednesday 7th October 2009 at 8:32 pm and is filed under General News.
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